Preserving Benton County's Heritage Since 1949
Explore records, photographs, and stories from the people and places that shaped our community.
Search Our DatabaseWelcome to the Benton County Historical Society & Museum
Preserving the stories, artifacts, and heritage of Benton County, Minnesota since 1949.
Upcoming Event
Stories Among the Stones: A Lantern Tour of the Benton County Cemetery — Part II
October 15, 2026 • 5:30 PM • Benton County Cemetery
Join us for Part II of our popular lantern tour of the Benton County Cemetery — uncovering stories of those who came before us, including victims of the 1886 Cyclone and early settlers. Post-tour social hour with refreshments and a viewing of our authentic 1880s funeral coach.
Sauk Rapids, Benton Co., Minn.
📅 Today in History
United States
• 1348 Third wave of the Great plague hits the Old World
• 1683 Harvard College is founded in Massachusetts.
Minnesota
• The Great Seal of the State of Minnesota was adopted in its current form on May 11, 2024.
• Minnesota water drains in three directions: north to Hudson Bay, east to the Atlantic Ocean, and south to the Gulf of Mexico.
Benton County
• William A. Aitkin served as chairman of Benton County’s first board of commissioners.
• James Kitchens acted as clerk at Benton County’s first board meeting and was appointed Register of Deeds.
📷 Picture of the Day
Click to view full size
Proud Community Partners
